Rebels blitz by Taskforce Maxima: 75 facing 252 charges

Mark Furler is APN Australian Regional Media’s group digital editor. He’s an award-winning journalist who has lived and worked on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for more than 25 years. He’s passionate about fighting for a better go for locals. His awards include APN Editor of the Year, and involvement in three PANPA Newspaper of the Year wins for the Sunshine Coast Daily.

Charges range from trafficking and supply dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drugs to a minor and theft of motor vehicles.

Over $500,000 cash and drugs including Methylamphetamine (ICE), MDMA, Heroin, Amphetamine, Cannabis with a conservative street value of $5 million have been seized, police said.

In the past 24 hours, the Queensland Police Service assisted by members of the National Anti-Gang Squad and Australian Federal Police have executed a number of search warrants across Brisbane, Pine Rivers, the Gold Coast, Dalby, Gympie and Jimboomba.

Members of the New South Wales Police Force also took part in a number of searches to investigate offences of violence in Tweed Heads.

The operation focused on the activities of the Rebels criminal motorcycle gang.

Eight members of the Rebels have been arrested and charged with major drug offences and being vicious lawless associates in a criminal association.

Investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected.

Those charged are being held in custody to appear before the courts today and tomorrow morning where it is expected police will seek to have their bail applications refused.

Taskforce Maxima Commander, Detective Superintendent Michael Niland stated, "I am pleased to say this investigation has prevented harm to our community and led to the arrest of patched members of the Rebels criminal motorcycle gang."

"It again demonstrates the strong link between crime gangs and the methylamphetamine trade. Our efforts will continue to be directed at these crime gangs which are the most significant threat to our community".

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.